Shoving his hands in his pockets to stop himself reaching out for her, he said gently, ‘How did you ever get to be so wise while my back was turned?’
With an amused shake of her head at his teasing tone, she disappeared into the kitchen to share the good news with everyone: ‘Grace wants sausage and mash.’
‘Ah, she’s on the mend, then.’ Mrs Dalton beamed. ‘There’s sausages in the larder, bought fresh this morning, and plenty of mash already made. I’ll put your dinner in the oven till you’re ready.’
‘How long before the shop will be finished?’ Amy asked, turning over the sizzling sausage.
‘We’re aiming for Saturday.’
‘What?’ She turned in astonishment at Howard’s prediction. ‘But that’s only four days away, and from what I saw today, you’ll never be ready that soon.’
‘Yes, we will.’ Ben was positive. ‘We’ve also got Charlie helping us for the rest of the week.’
‘We’ll make it.’ Howard sat down at the table. ‘All the hard graft is done, and it’s only a matter of decorating.’
‘And shelving.’ Amy put the sausage on a plate with the potatoes.
‘Charlie’s a marvel with that.’ A deep chuckle came from Ben. ‘It seems he took an apprenticeship in carpentry after leaving school. Says he’s always been good with his hands.’
‘You should have seen the marvellous drawing Ben did of him in the camp, Amy,’ Howard said.
‘You’ve got drawings you haven’t shown us?’
‘I lost track of them, but Charlie saved them and brought them back today.’
‘Where are they? Can I see them, Ben?’
‘They’re upstairs. I’ll bring them down for you before we go out.’
‘Oh, thanks, I’d love to see them. Are you going back to the shop?’
‘No, I’m going dancing with Chrissie and Howard.’
Howard smirked. ‘Chrissie’s fixed him up with a pretty nurse.’
‘That’s nice. I hope you all have a good time.’ After pouring lots of steaming gravy over the small meal, Amy took it to Grace.
His appetite gone, Ben tried to finish the braised steak and vegetables on his plate. Amy should be going out, dancing with the husband she loved, and sharing with him the trials and joys of watching their delightful daughter grow, but she had been denied that. Because of her reading difficulties, she had been a lonely child; now she must be lonely again. Oh, they were all here to support her when she needed it, but they couldn’t possibly replace what she had lost. Nothing could, not even him.
He felt wretched, and in no mood for dancing with a stranger.
Pleased with Grace’s nearly empty plate, Amy went back to eat her own meal. Grace had improved even since this morning, and that was an enormous relief. In another day or two she would be running around again and getting in everyone’s way. It was a comforting prospect. And if they did manage to open the shop on Saturday, that would be perfect timing, because she would stay and help with that, then take Grace away for a week. A break would do both of them the world of good.
The kitchen was unusually quiet. Chrissie, Howard and Ben had gone dancing; Mrs Dalton was playing bridge with neighbours, and Ted was having a night out at the pub with some of his old ARP friends.
Removing the dish from the oven, she sat down to eat alone, wondering how Ben was enjoying his night out with the nurse. The fact that he was with another woman was pushed ruthlessly aside. He had a right to a life of his own, especially after being shut away for so long, and it might help to cheer him up. Although he had apologized and teased Grace, she knew him too well not to be aware that something wasn’t right with him. If only he would talk about it, instead of bottling things up.
It didn’t seem right eating at the large table on her own, and it was even more unsettling to know the house was empty, apart from Grace and herself. She couldn’t remember that ever happening before, but things change. If John had still been alive they would probably have had a home of their own by now, and maybe a brother or sister for Grace. She sighed deeply. They’d had such plans.
‘Mummy.’ Grace trotted in and looked around the empty room. ‘Where is everyone?’
‘They’ve all gone out, sweetie. Do you want a drink or something?’
Shaking her head, she climbed on the chair next to Amy. ‘I’m fed up with being in bed. Where’ve they all gone?’
Amy explained what each one was doing, causing Grace to think hard.
‘Will Uncle Ben bring a girl home, like Uncle Howard has?’
‘I expect so. He’ll want to marry and have children of his own, probably.’ Amy was realistic enough to know that would happen, but it would be so hard to see him in love with someone else. One day, the family they had built up in this house would no longer be. Ted had aged dreadfully in the last couple of years, and must be around seventy-five. Mrs Dalton was in her sixties. Chrissie and Howard would be bound to move away, and so would Ben. That would leave her and Grace. She could live with her in-laws, as she knew there would always be a welcome there for them, but it wouldn’t be right.
A knot of fear gripped her. How would she manage on her own? Since coming to live here, she had been protected and loved, and the thought of living somewhere else held no appeal. Giving herself a mental shake, she sat up straight, her mouth set in a determined line. She was imagining a gloomy future without the people she loved, which was ridiculous. Even if they all went their separate ways, they would still remain friends, and there was the business to share. She had Grace, and that would be happiness enough. Anyway, she mustn’t cross her bridges before she came to them! Smiling as one of Mrs Dalton’s favourite sayings ran through her mind, she banished the gloom. Being alone in this usually bustling kitchen was making her imagination run riot. She was just being silly. The future would take care of itself, and there was no point worrying about it.
‘What’s that?’ Grace was reaching across the table to pull a packet towards her.
‘Oh, that must be Uncle Ben’s drawings that he did during the war. He said he’d leave them for me to see.’
Tipping them out, she studied the pictures, fascinated. They were drawn on any piece of paper or cardboard he had been able to find. Some were caricatures, bringing a smile to her face. She hadn’t known he could do anything like that. Others were more serious, showing the huts, the barbed wire and the expressions on the faces of the men as they coped with captivity. It was a wonderful study of camp life, and she caught a glimpse of what it must have been like. And it also helped her to understand a little better the struggle he was now having in adjusting to normal living again.
Spreading the drawings over the table in front of her, she breathed in awe. ‘These are excellent. They must be displayed in the gallery.’
‘They’re not very pretty, are they, Mummy?’
‘No, not pretty – but pretty special.’ She put them back in the packet. ‘Your Uncle Ben is a special man, too.’
Grace yawned, resting her head on her mother’s shoulder.
‘Would you like some milk?’ But her daughter was almost asleep. ‘Come on, darling, back to bed. We’ll both have an early night, shall we?’
After a visit to the bathroom, they went to bed, and Grace was asleep almost immediately. Her short time up had tired her out, but it was a step towards recovery. Amy, however, was wide awake, staring into space, listening to the patter of gentle rain on the window and the creaking of the empty house. Without her noticing, Oscar had crept in with them, settling on the bottom of her bed, his contented purr rumbling in the quiet room.
Feeling soothed by the sound, her mind drifted to all that had happened to her since she had taken that first step into this beautiful house, and been welcomed by the warm, loving people who lived in it.
The next morning the kitchen was buzzing again, just the way Amy liked it.
‘Chrissie, would you have a look at Grace for me? The doctor’s coming this afternoon, but she’s asking to get up.’
Popping a piece of toast in her mouth, Chrissie nodded and went to check on the little girl.
‘Getting restless, is she? That’s a good sign.’ Ted gulped his tea, edging towards the door. ‘I can’t help you today, Howard. I’ve bought a load of books and they need sorting.’
‘That’s OK, Ted. Chrissie’s going to pitch in today.’
‘Right.’ Then he was gone, eager to get at his beloved books.
Chrissie came back with Grace holding her hand. ‘I can get up, Mummy, as long as I’m back in bed when the doctor comes.’ She sat in her usual chair, a pleased smile on her face as she looked at everyone. ‘I’m nearly better.’
‘Well, that’s a blessing.’ Mrs Dalton picked up a bottle of milk. ‘Would you like porridge?’
‘Yes please, with treacle on it.’ Her smile was even brighter at that thought.
‘Definitely on the mend.’ Howard nodded to Amy. ‘Looks like you’ll be able to bring her to the opening.’
‘I hope so. It’s amazing what a difference there is in her over twenty-four hours.’
‘Children are resilient and often recover quickly from these kind of infections.’ Chrissie sat down. ‘And she’s a healthy little girl.’
Nothing had been said about the dance last night, and Amy was curious. She sat opposite Ben. ‘Did you have a good time at the dance?’
‘Yes. Paula was a very nice girl, and an excellent dancer.’
‘Good.’ She noticed the packet of drawings was no longer on the table, and guessed Ben had taken them back upstairs. ‘Thank you for letting me see your pictures of the camp. They are really wonderful, and would make an interesting display for the gallery.’
He merely shook his head, so Amy pressed the point. They ought to be shown, not tucked away upstairs. ‘Ben, they would make a marvellous focal point. You could put them all in a large frame…’
‘No!’ He surged to his feet, glancing irritably at his watch. ‘I’ll see you at the shop, Howard.’ Then he strode out.
‘Oh, dear.’ Amy sighed. ‘I seem to have upset him again.’
‘There’s something terribly wrong with Benjamin.’ Mrs Dalton pursed her lips. ‘Do you know what’s the matter, Howard? Was he all right last night?’
‘He seemed fine, didn’t he, Chrissie?’
‘I’d say he enjoyed himself. He was laughing and joking with Paula, and she thought he was wonderful.’
‘Then it must be me he’s angry with.’ Amy spoke quietly, not wanting Grace to hear.
‘I can’t imagine you’ve done anything to upset him, Amy.’ Mrs Dalton began clearing the table. ‘You’ve done your best to support him since he returned home, and you’ve always been the best of friends.’
‘Not any more, it seems.’
43
It was only due to the sheer hard work and determination of the men that the shop would be ready for a grand opening on Saturday. Grace’s spots had almost disappeared, and, although she was still rather listless, Amy had been able to take her to the shop on Friday, when everyone was needed to stock the shelves, hang pictures and do a window display. Chrissie’s leave was over and she had returned to Aldershot. Amy was downstairs with Mrs Dalton and Howard, and Ben upstairs with Stan and Charlie. Grace also wanted to help, and Howard encouraged her to put things on the lower shelves. As Amy watched Howard with her daughter, she was pleased he was getting married. Chrissie was a lovely girl, and she hoped they would soon have a family of their own, because they were both very good with children.
Everything was ready by the time Ted closed his own shop and joined them for a celebratory drink.
‘Well, I must say, this looks a real treat.’ Mrs Dalton sipped her glass of wine, gazing round in appreciation.
‘I think we ought to give Stan and Charlie a vote of thanks.’ Ben raised his glass. ‘Without them we still wouldn’t be finished.’
‘Hear, hear.’ They all drank to the two men.
‘It’s been a pleasure.’ Charlie downed his drink. ‘I must be on my way, but I’ll be here for the opening tomorrow. On Monday I’m starting work. I’ve found myself a job in a garage.’
‘Well done, mate.’ Stan finished his drink. ‘I’ll walk to the bus stop with you. See you all tomorrow.’
When they’d gone, Ben said, ‘I’ve offered Stan a permanent job with us.’
‘But we can’t afford to employ anyone yet.’ Howard was astonished. ‘And you shouldn’t have done that without asking the rest of us. We’re all in this together, Ben.’
‘Don’t worry. He’s going to work for me in the gallery. I’ll pay his wages until we start making money.’
When it looked as if Howard was going to protest, Amy touched his arm gently. He realized what she was saying without words, and clamped his mouth shut. There was obviously an extraordinarily close bond between Stan, Charlie and Ben, because of the camp, and if Ben wanted to do this, then they shouldn’t try to stop him. He had always cared about other people – that was why Amy was here now – and even the harsh years of war hadn’t destroyed that quality in him. He was, and always had been, a kind man.
‘OK, Ben.’ Howard nodded. ‘But you don’t have to pay him out of your own money. This shop is going to be a great success. We’ll manage.’
‘Mummy.’ Grace was tugging at Amy’s skirt. ‘Are we going home now? I’m tired and hungry.’
‘All right, darling, you can have your dinner in bed, and on Sunday we’ll go and stay with Granny and Grandpa for a week to make you all strong again. That will be lovely, won’t it?’ She pushed the hair away from her daughter’s little face, to look carefully for signs of illness, but apart from being tired, she seemed all right. It had been a long day, but Amy had made up a bed for her in the corner of the shop, so she could have a nap during the afternoon.
Grace nodded and picked up her picture books, ready to leave at once.
‘You mean you’re going away the moment we open the shop?’ Ben didn’t look pleased.
‘I know it’s a bad time, Ben, and I was going to discuss it with you and Howard tonight—’
‘Bad time is right. Can’t you leave it for a while? How is Howard going to manage downstairs without you?’
‘He won’t have to, Benjamin,’ Mrs Dalton said quite sharply. ‘I’ll stand in for Amy while she’s away.’
‘We’ll manage fine.’ Howard smiled at Amy. ‘Of course you must take Grace away to recover fully. Don’t be such a misery, Ben.’
But he was still irritated. ‘She couldn’t have chosen a more awkward time to disappear.’
Angered now by his continued sharpness towards her, Amy glared at him. ‘Grace has been ill. I didn’t choose the time. She is my child and I’ll do whatever is best for her. I have always known you as a sympathetic, kind person, Ben. That person is still inside you somewhere, but you’ve buried him, and until you find him again, I suggest you keep your opinions to yourself. I will work long and hard for our business, as I did before, and I don’t need you to remind me how important it is. But in this instance, Grace comes first.’
Amy was relieved to see that Mrs Dalton had left the shop with Grace, so she ran out to catch them up.
‘I’ll take her,’ she said when she reached them. ‘She’s heavy.’
‘She weighs hardly anything at all. I heard that little spat back there, and I hope you gave Benjamin a piece of your mind?’
‘I did. What’s wrong with him, Mrs Dalton? Just lately he seems so unhappy.’
‘He’s got a bee in his bonnet about something, and it’s making him snarl like a bear with a sore head.’
Amy couldn’t help laughing. Mrs Dalton was full of sayings like this. ‘Perhaps I’m getting too defensive, but Ben can hurt me more than anyone else I know.’
‘That’s because you care for him so much. Take Grace to her grandparents, and stay there with her. That will keep you out of Benjamin’s way. We can only hope he’ll have sorted himself out by the time you get back.’
&nbs
p; ‘I know it’s not a good time to go away, but I must put Grace first, and she needs a rest and some country air.’
‘Of course she does; you both do.’
*
It was a glorious day. The sun was shining, the war in Europe was over, and they were about to open their new shop. It was the kind of day that brought people out of their houses and, with a bit of luck, the King’s Road would be crowded with shoppers. The opening had been set for ten o’clock, and they had decided to make a big show of the event, in order to attract the public. Ted wasn’t opening his shop until the afternoon so he could be there. The shop they’d had before the war had been a success, so they were confident that this one would be as well.
Everyone was milling around in the kitchen, dressed in their best clothes. The men were wearing suits; Mrs Dalton was resplendent in a blue and white dress, complete with hat in the same sky blue. Amy had a simple short-sleeved dress in lemon, and Grace was wearing pink, with a pink ribbon in her hair. She looked very pretty, but still rather pale.
‘Are you all right, darling?’ Amy stooped down in front of her chair. ‘It’s going to be a long day again.’
‘Don’t you worry, Amy. I’ll bring her back with me after the opening, and she can have a nice rest this afternoon.’
‘Oh, that’s very kind of you, Mrs Dalton.’ Amy was relieved.
‘Not kind at all.’ She smiled at Grace. ‘I love looking after the little mite.’
‘Will you do that, darling? Mummy will have to stay at the shop all day.’
Grace nodded, seeming quite happy about the arrangement.
Howard frowned. ‘She’s still looking a bit peaky.’
‘I know.’ Amy worried her bottom lip. ‘I’m hoping the country air will put that right.’
‘I hope you’re going to wipe that scowl off your face for the opening, Benjamin.’ Mrs Dalton spoke sharply when he still didn’t look pleased about Amy going away at this time. ‘You’ve worked very hard to get it ready, and you should be proud of yourself, and everyone here, not looking bad-tempered enough to spoil everyone’s day.’
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